Appointment of New International Relations Manager.

International Multicultural Network has appointed Mrs.Rima Mammadova  as its International Relations manager.

Japanese festivals & Celebrations...

Seijin No Hi is the first holiday of the year after New Year's is all over. It is for all the women who have just become legal adults (age 20), and most families buy a kimono for their daughter. The typical kimono is 300-400 thousand yen, but much more extravagant kimono can be even as high as a million yen each. On the day the young lady will typically go to a nearby Shinto Shrine and pray for health, success, money, etc. It's one of the few times you will see anyone wear a kimono -- except for the grannies running around going to study or teach tea ceremony. The other occasions are graduation from a college, and once in a while at a wedding. 

New book review:'Multicultural Japan: Palaeolithic to Postmodern (Contemporary Japanese Society)

by 

 Donald Denoon (Editor), 

Mark Hudson  (Editor), Gavan McCormack  (Editor), 

Tessa Morris-Suzuki

This book challenges the conventional view of Japanese society as being monocultural and homogenous. Unique for its historical breadth and interdisciplinary orientation, Multicultural Japan extends from the prehistoric phase to the present. It challenges the notion that Japan's monoculture is being challenged only because of internationalism, arguing that cultural diversity has always existed in Japan. It is a provocative discussion of identity politics around the question of 'Japaneseness'.This paperback edition has a new epilogue.

More About the Author

Tessa Morris-Suzuki was born in England and lived and worked in Japan before emigrating to Australia in 1981. She is professor of Japanese history in the College of Asia and the Pacific at the Australian National University, where her research focuses on Japan's frontiers and minority communities and on questions of historical memory in East Asia. 

Interesting research:'THE ISSUE OF DIVERSITY AND MULTICULTURALISM IN JAPAN."

                     THE ISSUE OF DIVERSITY AND MULTICULTURALISM IN JAPAN

Jie Qi Utsunomiya University, Japan 

Sheng Ping Zhang Meijo University, Japan 

The purpose of this paper is to problematize that which has been taken for granted about the notion of multiculturalism in Japan. Multiculturalism is a novel issue in Japan. As the Japanese government started to promote “internationalization” since 1980’s, slogans such as “international exchange,” “cultural exchange,” “understanding of other cultures,” etc, have become the most popular hackneyed expressions among policy maker and educators. This paper demonstrates that the notion of multiculturalism in Japan is intricately and deeply embedded in Japanese society, Japanese culture and the Japanese educational system and that this type of multiculturalism excludes ethnic groups which have lived in Japan since old times.

Read more

Interesting Information about Argentina:The Gauchos Festival

The Gauchos Festival in Argentina

                      

Once a year in the historical town of San Antonio de Areco in Argentina, gauchos from all over the country gather to show off their skills in a week-long Festival. This year the Festival was from November 1 to 9 and marked its 75th year. The gaucho experience is one of the best reservoirs for the culture and history of Argentina. Gauchos were nomad Argentine cowboys who led lonely lives on estancias in the 1800s. These large cattle ranches also acted as forts in the Pampas, the grasslands of the country, and the gauchos were their caretakers and fighters. 

Interesting facts: "Multiculturalism in Argentina.."

Argentina is regarded as a multicultural and multiethnic country where more than 40 countries´ different cultures, traditions and cults harmoniously coexist.
Such a diversity has been enshrined in the National Constitution in its section 20 setting forth that foreigners living in the Argentine territory are entitled to the same civil rights that are exercised by an Argentine citizen, being able, among other acts, to practise their religion at their own discretion without being forced to become citizens. Neither can they be compelled to pay extraordinary compulsory rates.

New Book Review: Rethinking Race in Modern Argentina.....

Rethinking Race in Modern Argentina

 Paulina Alberto, Eduardo Elena

This book reconsiders the relationship between race and nation in Argentina during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries and places Argentina firmly in dialog with the literature on race and nation in Latin America, from where it has long been excluded or marginalized for being a white, European exception in a mixed-race region. The contributors, based both in North America and Argentina, hail from the fields of history, anthropology, and literary and cultural studies. Their essays collectively destabilize widespread certainties about Argentina, showing that whiteness in that country has more in common with practices and ideologies of Mestizaje and 'racial democracy' elsewhere in the region than has typically been acknowledged. The essays also situate Argentina within the well-established literature on race, nation, and whiteness in world regions beyond Latin America (particularly, other European 'settler societies'). The collection thus contributes to rethinking race for other global contexts as well.

Books available for review:

Let's congratulate Our newest IMN Country Representative in Bangladesh!

IMN Country Representative for Bangladesh, Professor Munir Hossain Talukder !

We wish to congratulate you on your new appointment as IMN Country Representative in Bangladesh and we take  this opportunity to look forward in working closely and strenghten the cooperation with our network.We are sure our cooperation will continue to be fruitful in the future.

 Professor Munir Hossain Talukder 

2017 National Multicultural Festival

The National Multicultural Festival began in 1996 and has since evolved into the biggest occasion on Canberra’s event landscape. In the very beginnings of the Festival, it was a one-day event, eventually moving to a 2-week Festival. 

Over the course of the last 21 years it has developed into the 3-day Festival it is now, which allows Canberrans, national and international visitors alike to congregate in Canberra over one weekend for what is one of the biggest celebrations of cultural diversity across Australia.

Read more:

New Interesting research from IMN Country Representative in Pakistan:' The aesthetics of multiculturalism in Pakistan"

The aesthetics of multiculturalism in Pakistan

Ph.D, Mirza Muhammad Zubair Baig, 

Assistant Professor

COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Lahore, Pakistan

Pakistan is situated at the cross-roads in Asia and is home to more than 180 million people. The land where Pakistan was carved on the map of world on 14^th of August 1947 has been equally attractive for the invaders in the past and now for the tourists because of its unique landscape, cultural diversity, multiethnic multilingual speakers and variegated geographical terrain. Mohiuddin notes that Pakistani civilization dates back to prehistoric times as the relics of tools excavated in Siwalik Hills in northern Punjab, paintings on rocks

Head of International Multicultural Network ,Khayala Mammadova 's article was published in Multicultural Newspaper ' THE PRISMA'...

Azerbaijan’s multiculturalism: Setting an example for the world.

In a peculiar way it is possible to see multiculturalism as a strategic tool of foreign policy which defends itself from religious and political extremism. Azerbaijan represents a country’s success story that could be viewed as a model, especially within a regional framework where radicalism has spread rapidly over the last 20 years....

Read more

IMN Representative for Italy,Dr. Alessio Stilo has published a paper in e-newspaper " Modern Diplomacy' entitled: "Multiculturalism is dead? Not quite yet"

Multiculturalism is dead? Not quite yet....

Multicultural approaches and policies vary widely all over the world, ranging from the advocacy of equal respect to the various cultures in a society, to a policy of promoting the maintenance of cultural diversity, to policies in which people of various ethnic and religious groups are addressed by the authorities as defined by the group to which they belong.

A sort of “third way” between the two above-mentioned strategies has been traditioned and further enhanced by core Asian counties, e.g. Azerbaijan, where state policy has been accompanied, in a complementary way, to a certain activism of intermediate bodies (civil society, universities, think tanks)...

Read more :

Let's congratulate Our Newest IMN Country Representative in China!

 IMN COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVE FOR CHINA , 

DR.MUDDASSAR SARFRAZ !

We wish to congratulate you on your new appointment as IMN Country Representative in  China  and we take this opportunity to look forward in working closely and strenghten the   cooperation with our network. We are sure our cooperation will continue to be fruitful in the future.

IMN officials had a successful international event in Dubai.

Three annual United Nations Global Compact events took placed in Dubai, UAE on 24-27 October, 2016. These events were attended by 84 networks from the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) drawn from 84 countries.  While Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are universal, they are very much be addressed at the national level – where each country will apply its unique history, culture and capabilities. Global Compact Local Networks are well positioned to roll out global goals to business communities in all regions of the world, to ensure that the SDGs result in tangible and impactful action on the ground. 

New Interesting research from IMN Country Representative in Pakistan:'Pakistan relation with Multiculturalism: a brief note.."

                        

'Pakistan relation with Multiculturalism: a brief note.."

This brief note aims to map out the relation of Pakistan with multiculturalism. The scope for developing research into Pakistan relation(s) with multiculturalism is one of the possibilities this note highlights, thus hoping to bring to the fore the relevance of engaging Pakistan into the multicultural dialogue internationally, and at home.

Let's congratulate Our Newest IMN Country Representative in Italy!

             IMN COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVE FOR ITALY , DR.ALESSIO STILO!

We wish to congratulate you on your new appointment as IMN Country Representative in  Italy  and we take this opportunity to look forward in working closely and strenghten the   cooperation with our network. We are sure our cooperation will continue to be fruitful in the future.

Alessio Stilo

Presentation of the website and digital library project “Multiculturalism of Azerbaijan”

On October 14, 2016, presentation of the website and digital library project “Multiculturalism in Azerbaijan” was held at the Presidential Library of the Administrative Department of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Director of the Presidential Library Mayil Ahmadov gave information about the new electronic resource. Representatives of cultural centers of the ethnic minorities in Azerbaijan, governmental officials and researches shared their views on the new electronic resource during the discussions. 

International Multicultural Network Staff is currently being renewed.

             
       Dr. Khayala Mammadova

              Head and Founder

      International Multicultural Network

Korean Association for Multicultural Education - Our main Partner!

Let's congratulate Our Newest IMN Country Representative in Nigeria!

IMN COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVE FOR NIGERIA, DR.GABRIEL KAYODE BABABWALE!

We wish to congratulate you on your new appointment as IMN Country Representative in  Nigeria  and we take this opportunity to look forward in working closely and strenghten the   cooperation with our network. We are sure our cooperation will continue to be fruitful in the future.

Dr. Gabriel Kayode BABAWALE 

Martha Lawry:"I love the concept of sharing in Azerbaijan, and I think it is a good example that Americans can learn from."

    Martha Lawry

When I moved to Azerbaijan, one of the first cultural differences I had to adapt to was sharing things. As an American, I grew up with a strong concept of possessions. (This is mine; that is yours.)Some American families even train their children not to touch their siblings’ toys or go into their bedrooms without permission. Each child has his/her own toys, clothes, books, and other things. As I child, I even had my own scissors with my name on them.

But in Azerbaijan, I was quickly introduced to the idea that everything gets shared. If the family has one pair of scissors, it belongs to everyone, and everyone will use it. Books, cell phone adaptors, nail polish--  these are not “mine” or “yours;” they are just “ours” in the family.

Let’s Congratulate Our Newest IMN Country Representative in Iraq!

IMN Country Representative for Iraq, Mr.Karwan Salih Waisy! 

We wish to congratulate you on your new appointment as IMN Country Representative in  Iraq   and we take this opportunity to look forward in working closely and strenghten the   cooperation with our network. We are sure our cooperation will continue to be fruitful in the future.

Assistant lecturer , University of Zakho,Iraq

Book Review: Understanding Confusion in Africa:The Politics of Multiculturalism and Nation-building in Cameroon

Understanding Confusion in Africa  , 

The Politics of Multiculturalism and Nation-building in Cameroon

by 

 Peter Ateh-Afac Fossungu

This book argues essentially that Cameroon cannot competently champion African unity and progress until it can correctly pursue its own multicultural nation-building. Cameroon's success continental-wise would depend on its theory and practice of multiculturalism, as particularly reflected in  the rejoicing in its historical diversity and the harmonious co-existence of its Systems of Education which must, of necessity, be linked to effective federalization or decentralization of uniquely cultural matters.

IMN Representative for Cameroon,Dr.Joash Norman Moitui :" Multiculturalism in Cameroon."

 Multiculturalism in Cameroon 

The diversity of Cameroon is evident with existence of 250 ethnic groups, a fact that has promoted peace existence, cohesion and appreciation for diversity. This assertion is captured in comments by a turkey diplomat that, “Cameroon is a mosaic of 250 tribes”.

Ilham Aliyev:" Pope’s visit crucial for dialogue among civilizations."

"Pope Francis regards and values Azerbaijan as a tolerant country. Azerbaijan and the Vatican enjoy good relations.  Azerbaijan's role in the reconstruction works in the Vatican contributed to the improvement of these relations. The Pope`s visit to Azerbaijan in the year of multiculturalism proves that he considers and values Azerbaijan as a tolerant country." Ordinary Fekete said.

The Declaration of the 5th Baku International Humanitarian Forum has been adopted.

The signatories stated in the declaration that the work of the fifth Baku International Humanitarian Forum was extremely fruitful and, undoubtedly, made a worthy contribution to expansion and further development of international humanitarian cooperation. 

5th Baku International Humanitarian Forum...

Baku International Humanitarian Forum is an annual platform for famous representatives of political, scientific and cultural elite of the world community including famous statesmen, Nobel Prize winners in various fields of science and leaders of influential international organizations for holding dialogues, discussions and exchange of views on a wide range of global issues in the interest of all humanity.

Interesting Paper:Multiculturalism in South Africa: Dislodging the Binary between Universal Human Rights and Culture/Tradition

 "Grappling with the notion of “culture” and multiculturalism in post-colonial societies that have accepted liberal democratic frameworks very often lead to interpretations that pose culture and universal rights as a a binary opposition, with culture being related to pre-modern “ways of life” and practices, and universal human rights to modernity, individualism and enlightenment.

Let’s Congratulate Our Newest IMN Country Representative in Romania!

                 IMN Country Representative for Romania, Dr.Mihaela Culea!

We wish to congratulate you on your new appointment as IMN Country Representative in  Romania   and we take this opportunity to look forward in working closely and strenghten the   cooperation with our network. We are sure our cooperation will continue to be fruitful in the future.

Dr. Mihaela Culea

Let’s Congratulate Our Newest IMN Country Representative in Iran!

  IMN Country Representative for  Iran, Dr. Fatemeh Samadi!

We wish to congratulate you on your new appointment as IMN Country Representative in  Iran  and we take this opportunity to look forward in working closely and strenghten the   cooperation with our network. We are sure our cooperation will continue to be fruitful in the future.

Dr.Fatimeh Samadi

IMN introduces the next interesting book:Philosophies of Multiculturalism, Beyond Liberalism

Philosophies of Multiculturalism

Beyond Liberalism

Edited by Luis Cordeiro-Rodrigues,Marko Simendic

About the Book

This edited collection offers a comparative approach to the topic of multiculturalism, including different authors with contrasting arguments from different philosophical traditions and ideologies.

New interesting research from IMN Country Representative in Romania...

The multiculturalism connects people, connects ideas,

connects the spirits, connects thoughts...

Dr. Eşi Marius-Costel

Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava, Romania

The multiculturalism connects people, connects ideas, connects the spirits, connects thoughts. When we accept the idea of multiculturalism, we implicitly accept the idea of non-discrimination. Furthermore, the observance of the rights of our time and those of us to reveal the existence of tolerance and diversity. However, such a diversity should not,  in our opinion, to cancel the identity of the spirit.

"Multiculturalism in Chile" by IMN Country Representative for Chile, Dr. Miguel Lopez -Astorga.

 Multiculturalism in Chile

Chile is a country with a great cultural diversity. There are several reasons for that. On the one hand, the existence of native indigenous people, who lived and live in different geographic areas of its territory:

Let’s Congratulate Our Newest IMN Country Representative in United Kingdom!

 IMN Country Representative for UK , Mr. Neil Watson!

We wish to congratulate you on your new appointment as IMN Country Representative in  UK  and we take this opportunity to look forward in working closely and strenghten the cooperation with our network. We are sure our cooperation will continue to be fruitful in the future.

        Neil Watson, Editor and Press Officer, 

The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS)

IMN introduces the next popular multicultural book:'Crossing Bok Chitto" by Tim Tingle, Jeanne Rorex Bridges

Crossing Bok Chitto

  by Tim Tingle, Jeanne Rorex Bridges 

There is a river called Bok Chitto that cuts through Mississippi. In the days before the War Between the States, in the days before the Trail of Tears, Bok Chitto was a boundary. On one side of the river lived the Choctaws. On the other side lived the plantation owners and their slaves. If a slave escaped and made his way across Bok Chitto, the slave was free.Thus begins Crossing Bok Chitto, told by award-winning Choctaw storyteller Tim Tingle and brought to life with the rich illustrations of Jeanne Rorex Bridges.

Let’s Congratulate Our Newest IMN Country Representative in Chile!

 IMN Country Representative for  Chile, Dr. Miguel Lopez -Astorga!

We wish to congratulate you on your new appointment as IMN Country Representative in Chile  and we take this opportunity to look forward in working closely and strenghten the cooperation with our network. We are sure our cooperation will continue to be fruitful in the future.

Dr. Miguel López-Astorga